California man allegedly cooked dog, fed it to ex-girlfriend

Ryan Watenpaugh, of Palo Cedro, Calif., was arrested after his ex-girlfriend said he cooked her dog and fed it to her.
(Redding Police Department)

REDDING, Calif. – A Northern California man has been arrested after his ex-girlfriend said he cooked her dog and fed it to her. Ryan Watenpaugh of Palo Cedro was arrested Thursday. He remains jailed Friday.

Watenpaugh's ex told police he had repeatedly struck her while they were dating and that after one assault, she left her Redding apartment and returned to find her Pomeranian, "Bear," missing.

Police say the couple briefly reconciled last week and Watenpaugh cooked the woman a meal. But she told police he later texted her and asked how her dog had tasted.

On Tuesday, Watenpaugh allegedly left two of the dog's paws outside her door.

Police say Watenpaugh has denied killing or cooking the dog.

He was booked for animal cruelty, domestic violence, stalking and false imprisonment.